Advent: The Significance of Christ’s First Coming
I must confess at the outset that I, like many others at this time of the year, have spent less time preparing my heart for the nativity of Christ during the four weeks of Advent; but instead, have gotten caught up in the frenzy of giving and receiving gifts during the Christmas holidays. In preparing for this devotional in the midst of this Advent, I wanted to explore Advent in terms of the themes highlighted in Scripture, the significance of God taking on human form in the person of Jesus Christ (Incarnation) and the implications for the world.
Scriptures and Themes
The prophet Isaiah, centuries before Christ was born prophesied: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a new light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9: 2, 6) The themes in this passage include hope, light, and peace. Upon his arrival, Jesus brings hope, light, and peace into a deeply darkened world. In Matthew 2: 10-11, we read about the Magi who had been following the star to find the birthplace of Jesus: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” The theme of joy is revealed here as the Magi’s appropriate response in this joy is to worship the newborn King. Another theme during Advent is God’s love for the world: “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God.” (John 1:11-12) Similarly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
The Significance of the Incarnation and Its Implications for the World
The Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love (and light) reveal the reality that God is not only transcendent but immanent - so much so that not only is He with us (all humanity), but He is also in us (for those of us who believe in Jesus and experienced rebirth). This is the big deal about Christianity that even the angels in heaven are amazed by what God has done, and continues to do for those who believe in the name of Jesus (1 Peter 1:12). This Advent, my prayer and hope is that as we reflect on Christ’s nativity and look forward to his second coming, we will pause and truly begin to appreciate the magnitude of how blessed we are as Christians, to reflect the image of Christ to the world, the image of Jesus, the true source of hope, peace, joy, love, (and light).
Denny Barnett